Meghan Markle And Prince Harry Are Expecting Their First Child And Bookies Are Already Taking Bets On The Name

Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle is pregnant with her first child, according to the royal family.

“Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are very pleased to announce that The Duchess of Sussex is expecting a baby in the Spring of 2019,” announced Kensington Palace on Monday. “Their Royal Highnesses have appreciated all of the support they have received from people around the world since their wedding in May and are delighted to be able to share this happy news with the public.”

Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are very pleased to announce that The Duchess of Sussex is expecting a baby in the Spring of 2019. pic.twitter.com/Ut9C0RagLk

“The Queen, Duke of Edinburgh, Prince of Wales, Duchess of Cornwall and Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are delighted for the couple and were able to congratulate them on Friday at the wedding in person,” said a Kensington Palace spokesperson, adding that Meghan’s mother Doria Ragland “is very happy about this lovely news and she looks forward to welcoming her first grandchild.”

The baby will be seventh in line to the British throne after Harry’s father, Prince Charles; his brother, Prince William; William’s three children, and Harry himself. According to the royal rules, Meghan and Harry’s baby will not be given the title of prince or princess, but could become Earl of Dumbarton in addition to his title of the Duke of Sussex whereas a girl would become Lady Mountbatten-Windsor.

UK prime minister Theresa May offered her congratulations to Harry and Meghan, as did the rest of Twitter:

My warmest congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex on the happy news they are expecting a baby in the Spring. Wishing them all the best. https://t.co/nnneVi8rBO

Meghan is reportedly 12 weeks along is “feeling well” after her 12-week scan, according to a source who spoke with People. Already fans and gambling addicts alike are starting to place bets on what the baby’s name will be. Current frontrunners include Alice, Victoria and Diana.

Bookmakers Ladbrokes make Samantha a 100-1 outside bet for the royal baby name. Most bookies make traditional royal names eg Alice, Arthur, Philip, Victoria – and, of course, Diana – their early favourites.